Although Browner earned a Pro Bowl nod as recently as 2011, his play had fallen off in the eight games he played this season. The "Legion of Boom" secondary hasn't missed a beat in his absence. In fact, the unit actually has played two of its most dominant games of the season in victories over the New Orleans Saints and New York Giants in the last three weeks.

The Seahawks rank No. 1 in passing yards allowed and in interceptions, a feat just three other NFL teams have accomplished. Adjusting for era, this pass defense has a chance to be viewed as one of history's best if Seattle brings home the Lombardi Trophy.

Credit goes to Carroll and general manager John Schneider for constructing the only NFL roster deep enough to excel despite the loss of luminaries such as Browner, Walter Thurmond, Percy Harvin, Sidney Rice and K.J. Wright.